My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus)

Alden nodded. "Yes. And I know the history between them. But to be completely honest? I don't care. "That was years ago. You moved on with your life. My father did the same.

"As adults, the past shouldn't dictate our present. I know it's hard to ignore it, but to me, it's not important." Valerie sighed. "Serenity is young. She was studying. And because of all of this, she put her education on hold.

"I know my daughter-if things had settled down, she would have gone back to school. But now, with a baby, things are going to get a lot more complicated.

"I don't want my daughter to lose her chance at an education. She had so many dreams, so many plans. She's only about to turn twenty-one. She's still so young."

Alden nodded in understanding. "I completely understand your concerns. You think that having a baby will make things harder for Serenity. But let me assure you-it won't.

"If she wants to continue studying, if she wants to chase her dreams and finish her career, I will support her.

"Our child and our marriage will not be something that limits her.

"Like I've said before, I don't have the fortune your husband has. But I have my own businesses. I can provide for my family. We can find someone to help care for our child.

"And one thing I need to make clear-I never want to clip her wings.

"I want Serenity to grow. I want her to thrive. I want her to be better every single day. I want her to be my wife, but I also want her to be proud of herself.

"She's an extraordinary woman. You know it, I know it, and everyone who meets her knows it.

"I love her for that. And for so many other reasons."

Valerie watched him closely.

She could see it-the way he spoke about Serenity, the way his eyes lit up when he said her name. She could tell he was fighting to convince her, fighting to prove himself.

And for a brief moment, a memory surfaced-this must have been how Grandpa Albert felt when he had that talk with Peter all those years ago.

Back when Peter, as a young man, had stood before him with the same determination in his eyes.

Her eyes filled with tears as the past came rushing back.

She had lived through this before. She had been Serenity.

She had fallen madly in love. She had gotten married, then divorced. She had gotten pregnant. She had lost everything. She had lost the man she was beginning to love.

And then, life had changed drastically for her.

Life had given her a third and final chance at love.

And Marcus had been the best choice she had ever made.

Serenity was the constant reminder of her past-a past she never regretted. Because if she did, it would mean regretting her daughter.

And that? That was impossible.

"Alden... I only ask you for one thing."

"Anything."

"Don't take my daughter away from us.noveldrama

"She is our life. She is our little girl.

"Marcus and I cannot imagine a world where we don't see her. Where we don't see our grandchild."

Alden shook his head. "Mrs. Bartz, you don't even need to ask me that.

"I know how much you mean to her

And if you're important to her... uld never take her away f

Valerie let out a small breath of relief. "Thank you, Alden.

"Just... take care of my daughter. Respect her."

"You don't even have to ask that. I love, cherish, and respect everything about her."

A soft smile crossed Valerie's lips as she reached across the table, placing her hand over his.

In that moment, she couldn't help but think of Peter again.

The young Peter-the one she had known when she was just a reckless, immature girl.

With a deep breath, she squeezed Alden's hand.

"Welcome to the family."

"You and little Ethan are both welcome to the family."

She stood up, gesturing for Alden to follow.

"Come on. Let's go find Serenity.

"We still have one last challenge ahead."

"Mr. Bartz?" Alden asked knowingly. "Exactly."

Alden let out a small laugh. "Well... We actually already talked to

And

t me, he definitelyt

Valerie's smile faded slightly. "What did he say? How did he take it?"

Alden

neck. "Mmm... Well, considering the

I'd say he took it relatively

well.

sit the back of his

"But he did say he wants to have a talk with me. Alone. Later."

Valerie sighed. "That conversation worries me."

"Don't worry, Mrs. Bartz," Alden reassured her.

"Whatever he throws at me, I'll take it.

"Like I told you-I love Serenity.

"I want a life with her. A family with her.

"So whatever Mr. Bartz says, whatever he asks of me...

"I'll do whatever it takes to earn his approval."